Maersk suspends US-flagged Red Sea operations after latest attack

Two US-flagged Maersk container vessels carried military cargo when they were attacked by the Houthis on Wednesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

PHOTO: Large container vessel passing through the Suez Canal, Egypt. Getty Images

The Yemeni militant group launched three ballistic anti-ship missiles at the US-flagged container ships Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake while they were being escorted through the Red Sea by the US Navy, Danish shipping major A. P. Moller-Maersk said to the Associated Press (AP).

These vessels are owned by Maersk Line, a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk. The company operates a fleet of 20 US-flagged container ships. They are primarily used to transport cargo for the US government, mainly military hardware.

It appears that while other vessels in Maersk's fleet have suspended transits through the Red Sea since the beginning of this month, these US-flagged vessels were still operating in the area, under the protection of the US Navy.

Following the most recent attack, Maersk has decided to halt all operations in the Red Sea. All of its vessels, including those under the US flag, bound for the Red Sea will now be redirected around the Cape of Good Hope until further notice.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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